Android-based devices welcome Orkut integration, plus a Buzz homescreen widget

Google had their own social networking service? How did I miss that? Well, to be honest, I’m not into social networking but if you are, the next lines are just for you: Orkut is going to Android.

Orkut, Google’s social networking service, is now available for Android-powered devices. You can get the app for free from the Android Market.

With its help you’ll be able to upload images to your Orkut albums, to keep in touch with your Orkut buddies or find new ones.

Once you’ve installed the Orkut app, you’ll be able to add a live folder on your homescreen allowing you to browse through your Orkut friends list when you need. And scrapping, texting or calling a friend will now be just a few clicks away.

Uploading images to your Orkut albums will also be that easy. While viewing an image in the Android Photo Gallery, go to the menu and tap on “Share” and then on “Orkut”. That’s it.

When you have new scraps on Orkut, a notification will appear on your device’s notification area.

To download and install the Orkut app for Android-based devices either scan the QR code (who’s cool now?) or go and find the app in the Android Market. However, note that it is only compatible with devices running Android OS version 1.6 or higher.

In the meantime Google have also launched a Buzz widget for Android.

The widget has quite limited functionality (posting messages and images directly from the homescreen of your phone) but it’s not expected to do more since there has already been a dedicated Buzz app for Android devices for a while. Again, Android OS version 1.6 or higher is required.

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